Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has insisted that the squad are working hard to reverse their poor form this season.

Even though Kevin Keegan returned to the squad as the clubs manager the Magpies have failed to give a consistent performance in the Premier League.

Owen scored the opening goal in Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Sunday, with Robert Huth equalising late in the match to deny Kevin Keegan his first win with The Magpies since his return.

Owen admitted that the clubs form wont change at once but said that the players in the squad had plenty of potential in them and they should work collectively to improve the standings of the club.

"You cannot wave a magic wand because there is a lot of work to do," Owen said in the News of the World.

"Kevin is a great manager and there is no doubt in my mind something exciting will be built here.

"He will give everyone a spark. Obviously it's hard to become confident when you are playing Arsenal twice in such a short space of time.

"Results have not been as good as they should have been and we are disappointed with our position in the Premier League.

"With the players we have, we are better than our league position suggests - and we will turn it round sooner rather than later.

"While some of the lads may be struggling for confidence at the moment, one of his great strengths is getting the best out of players."